Which concept describes the internal motivation to master one's own world?

• A. Control Theory
• B. Involvement
• C. Autonomy
• D. Resistance

Answer: (A)

Autonomy describes the internal motivation to govern and master one’s own world. It’s about self-determination and acting in ways that align with personal goals and values, rather than doing things due to external pressure. This intrinsic drive to direct one’s actions and shape one’s environment fits best with the idea of mastering one’s own world. Control theory focuses on how behavior is regulated through feedback to reach a target state, which is more about regulation than inner motivation. Involvement is about engagement with tasks, and resistance is opposition—neither captures the deep sense of self-directed action that autonomy embodies. Autonomy, then, best explains the described motivation.